Sec. 1. 24 MRSA §2303-D is enacted to read:

§2303-D. Podiatrist included in definition of physician

Whenever the terms "physician" or "doctor" are used in any contract for the provision of health care services or benefits under a medical care service plan operated by a nonprofit hospital or medical service organization operating pursuant to this chapter, these terms include within their meaning those persons licensed under and in accordance with the laws relating to the practice of podiatric medicine under Title 32, chapter 51 with respect to any care, services, procedures or benefits covered by the contract that those persons are licensed to perform.__Those persons must be compensated for the provision of services under the same terms and conditions as allopathic and osteopathic physicians are compensated including the differentiation in compensation between participating and nonparticipating providers of services, any provisions in the contract to the contrary notwithstanding.

Sec. 2. 24-A MRSA §2437-A is enacted to read:

§2437-A. Procedures covered by health insurance policies

whether performed by physician or podiatrist

Whenever the terms "physician" or "doctor" are used in any policy of health or accident insurance issued in this State, these terms include within their meaning those persons licensed under and in accordance with the laws relating to the practice of podiatric medicine under Title 32, chapter 51 with respect to any care, services, procedures or benefits covered by that policy of insurance that those persons are licensed to perform, any provisions in the policy of insurance to the contrary notwithstanding.

SUMMARY

This bill adds podiatrists to those health care professionals whose services are covered by health care services contracts provided by nonprofit hospitals or medical service organizations and whose services are covered by health or accident insurance policies.